Exploring Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay – Part 1

Exploring Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay – Part 1

The verdant Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay district of Hong Kong is a favorite of nature lovers. The area’s easy accessibility and its all-pervasive serenity make it immensely attractive to folk who value a ‘quality of life’ living experience.

Far for being a boring, backwater, Sai Kung is home to a vibrant, cosmopolitan community who revel in the area’s green environs and its abundance of outdoorsy pursuits.

Lay of the Land

Occupying a northeastern corner of the New Territories, Sai Kung encompasses the southern half of Sai Kung Peninsula, the Clear Water Bay Peninsula and a strip located to the east of Kowloon.

Transport Links

Sai Kung does not have direct MTR connectivity as yet though several minibus services departing from Hang Hau, Mong Kok, and Choi Hung MTR stations provide it with convenient transport links. Additionally, several bus, minibus, and ferry services render the area within easy reach.

Sai Kung Town

Sai Kung Town, which was once a small fishing village, is the focus point of the district. It serves a popular start off point for excursions to the volcanic Hong Kong Geopark and the area hiking trails and beaches. Shops, businesses, restaurants and cafes located within the town cater to needs of the resident community.

Sai Kung Promenade and Ferry Pier

Sai Kung town’s oceanfront promenade is home to the Sai Kung Public pier. Catch a ferry or a Kaito boat from here to tour the neighboring islands like Sharp Island, Kau Sai Chau (home to the 158-hectare Jockey Club Public Golf Course), Hap Mun Bay, Leung Sheung Wan, Pa Sha Chau and others.

Clear Water Bay is home to Hebe 101, a spectacular waterfront restaurant. The incredibly romantic eatery One–thirty-one located in Tseung Tau Village is a popular choice for special occasions. This elegant eatery is renowned for its exquisite French fare and occupies a three-story Mediterranean house overlooking secluded Three Fathoms Cove. It is one of the few restaurants in Hong Kong that can accommodate guests who arrive by helicopter or private yacht.

Shops and conveniences

Supermarket shopping is available at the local outposts of big supermarket chains at Sai Kung Town Centre, Hang Hau Mall, Centro, the Science University and Silverstrand Mart. The nearest public hospital serving the district is the Tseng Kwan O Hospital.

Schools

ESF Schools in Sai Kung include the ESF Abacus International Kindergarten and the Clearwater Bay School (Primary). The area is in the zone for the King George V School (Secondary). International and private schools include Hong Kong Academy and the Hong Kong Adventist Academy while schools like the Hong Lok Yuen International School (in Tai Po) and Kellet (in Kowloon Bay) are within easy access.

The Garden House Pre-School and Kindergarten, the Woodlands Pre-School, and the Sunshine House International Pre-School are some of the other primary schools located here.

Outdoor recreation

Hiking and biking

Sai Kung Peninsula is divided into Sai Kung East Country Park and Sai Kung West Country Park. Both sections of the park offer numerous hiking trails (including the Maclehose trail). These trails lead hikers past sights such as High Island Reservoir, Cheung Sheng Plateau, Sharp Peak, Hoi Ha Marine Park and stunning secluded beaches Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tung Wan and the famous white sand stretch, Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay) a favorite with swimmers, surfers and sunbathers.

Another popular stretch for hiking and running is the High Junk Peak Country Trail in Clear Water Bay. This trail offers various challenges and has several vantage points offering stunning views of Hong Kong Island, Basalt Island, the Ninepin group of islands and more.

The Clearwater Bay Equestrian and Education Centre is an international-standard riding school situated within the magnificent Clearwater Bay Country Park worth perusing for equestrian activities.

Swimming and Water Sports

Favorite spots for swimming and water sporting activity include Clear Water Bay First and Second Beach, Silverstrand Beach and Trio Beach. All these beaches feature lifeguard services and have facilities like barbecue pits, shower and changing facilities.

Tseung Kwang O-town located close by also offers a swimming complex and Hong Kong’s only biking Velodrome.

A water sports center on Sha Ha Beach in Sai Kung town offers cheap kayak, paddleboat and canoe rentals along with windsurfing equipment.

Private Clubs

More water-sports action and instruction is available at the area’s various private members’ clubs such as the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the Hebe Haven Yacht Club, and the Victoria Recreation Club.

The Clear Water Bay Country Club features a nine-hole golf course in a stunning setting with panoramic views of the sea. Non-members are welcome to play during the week.